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Red Sox, Sea Dogs extend affiliation

January 11, 2013
PORTLAND, Maine -- The Boston Red Sox and Portland Sea Dogs have agreed to extend their player development contract for an additional four years.

The extension keeps the Red Sox's Double-A affiliation in Portland through the 2018 season. Red Sox director of player development Ben Crockett and Sea Dogs chairman Bill Burke made the announcement.

The Sea Dogs and Red Sox last extended the affiliation in January 2011, taking the contract through the 2014 season.

"As we prepare for our 20th season of Sea Dogs baseball, we are thrilled to announce this new agreement," Burke said. "It is an honor to be associated with the Boston Red Sox, one of the greatest franchises in professional sports, and we are pleased to let our incredible fans know that this relationship will continue well into the future."

Sally Burke McNamara, the team's treasurer, added, "We feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to continue the legacy our father created, and our partnership with the Red Sox is a cornerstone of that legacy. We thank the Red Sox for the confidence they've placed in us and we will continue to do everything we can to provide them with the best possible environment to develop future big leaguers."

Crockett said, "The Portland Sea Dogs and the Burke family have been tremendous partners in the development of Red Sox Minor League players who have played at Hadlock Field. We are excited to extend our relationship and look forward to continued success in the future."

The Sea Dogs originally entered into a PDC with the Red Sox following the 2002 season, ending a nine-year affiliation with the Marlins. Upon changing affiliations, the Sea Dogs changed colors from teal to red and blue. Additionally, the Sea Dogs erected a likeness of Fenway Park's famed Green Monster in left field at Hadlock Field. The skyboxes at Hadlock Field also were renamed in honor of legendary Red Sox hitters.

The Sea Dogs have advanced to postseason play four times in 10 seasons since becoming an affiliate of the Red Sox, capturing their first Eastern League championship in 2006. Sea Dogs alumni currently with the Red Sox include Daniel Bard, Clay Buchholz, Felix Doubront, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jose Iglesias, Ryan Kalish, Ryan Lavarnway, Jon Lester, Will Middlebrooks, Dustin Pedroia and Junichi Tazawa.

The Sea Dogs will open their 20th season on April 4 at 6 p.m. against the Trenton Thunder (Yankees) at Hadlock Field. Book your nine-inning vacation -- tickets for the 2013 season are on sale now and can be purchased by calling the Sea Dogs' ticket office at (207) 879-9500 and online at www.seadogs.com.